JP2002300680A - Centralized control system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a centralized operation of a plurality of equipments efficient ly and easily by displaying the conditions of the equipments at the same time to make the relationship between switches and operations intuitively understand able. SOLUTION: Switches 23a-23c for the entire display section and operation instruction symbols 31a-31c for each region 25a-25d are similar in both shape and location. Specifically, the switches having circular (○), triangular (▵), and inverse triangular shapes respectively are arranged in this order from up to bottom in a vertical line and the operation instruction symbols having circular (○), triangular (▵), and inverse triangular shapes respectively are also arranged in like manner.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a centralized control system for controlling a plurality of devices.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a centralized control system capable of centrally operating a plurality of devices is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-3036.
There is one described in JP-A-51.

[0003] By displaying the display form of at least one of the operation screens of a plurality of devices so as to be substantially the same as the display form of the operation unit of the device to be operated, the operation screen of the system can be displayed from each operation device. Operation can be performed smoothly.

[0004] Further, as a method of relating an input portion of an input device to an operation instruction menu displayed on a display device,
There is one described in JP-A-9-233375.

[0005] In this configuration, the position of the input portion of the input device corresponds to the display position of the operation instruction menu displayed on the display device, so that the instruction menu can be easily selected and operated. Things.

[0006]

However, in the former case, the operation screen of a display form substantially similar to the operation section of the device to be operated is simply displayed. It is difficult to intuitively determine which part of the operation target device is operated.

In the latter, since the assignment of the switch unit in the input device is configured to be the same as the assignment of the function display on the entire display screen, it is not possible to perform the operation while simultaneously displaying the status of a plurality of devices. Can not.

In particular, recently, with the networking of home devices, a plurality of home devices (for example, a camera, an electric lock, an air conditioner, a lighting device, a motorized opening / closing device, etc.) are utilized by using one TV monitor. A system capable of centralized operation has been developed. In such a system, it is possible to operate each device while simultaneously displaying the status of a plurality of devices, and at that time, since it is assumed that the device is used in a general home, while using the minimum number of switches, It is required that the relationship between the switch and the operation be intuitive and easy to understand, and that the operability be good.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and it is possible to intuitively and easily understand the relationship between switches and operations while simultaneously displaying the states of a plurality of devices. It is an object of the present invention to provide a centralized control system capable of centrally operating a plurality of devices.

[0010]

A centralized control system according to the present invention is a centralized control system having a display unit capable of simultaneously displaying the states of a plurality of devices, comprising: an operation unit for the entire display unit; It has a configuration in which the operable section for the area for displaying the status of each of the plurality of devices is similar to the above.

[0011] According to this configuration, by making the operation unit for the entire display unit and the operable unit for each area similar, the relationship between the two becomes clear, and the user can simultaneously display the states of a plurality of devices. However, the relationship between the switch and the operation can be intuitively grasped from the similarity described above.
A plurality of devices can be centrally operated efficiently and easily without being confused.

In the centralized control system according to the present invention, the operation section and the operable section have a configuration in which at least one of a switch shape and an arrangement is similar.

According to this configuration, by making at least one of the shapes and arrangements of the switches similar to each other, the user can intuitively grasp the relationship between the switches and the operation from the similarity, and is confused. It is possible to efficiently and easily centrally operate a plurality of devices without using any device.

In the centralized control system according to the present invention, each of the operation section and the operable section has three switches each having a shape of a circle (○), an upward triangle (△), and a downward triangle (▽). Are arranged in order.

According to this configuration, similarly, by arranging a limited number of three switches (○, Δ, Δ), the user can change the relationship between the switches and the operation while using the minimum number of switches. It is possible to intuitively grasp, and it is possible to efficiently and easily centrally operate a plurality of devices without being confused.

In the centralized control system according to the present invention, switches corresponding to each other between the operation section and the operable section have the same function.

According to this configuration, since the corresponding switches have the same function, the similarity between the operation unit and the operable unit is ensured not only visually but also functionally, and the user can select any area. In addition, the relationship between the switch and the operation can always be grasped intuitively with confidence from the above-described similarity relationship, and the centralized operation of a plurality of devices can be performed efficiently and easily without any confusion.

In a centralized control system according to the present invention, there is provided a centralized control system having a display unit capable of simultaneously displaying the states of a plurality of devices, comprising: an operation unit for the entire display unit; And an operation instruction symbol portion for an area for displaying the state of each device are similar.

According to this configuration, by making the operation unit for the entire display unit and the operation instruction symbol unit for each area similar, the relationship between the two becomes clear, and the user can simultaneously check the state of a plurality of devices. While being displayed, the relationship between the switch and the operation can be intuitively grasped from the similarity, and the plurality of devices can be efficiently and easily centrally operated without being confused.

The centralized control system according to the present invention has a configuration in which the operation instruction symbol portion is displayed only in a selected area on the screen.

According to this configuration, the operation instruction symbol portion is displayed only in the selected area, so that the user can easily know that the device corresponding to the selected area is in an operable state. Can be.

In the centralized control system according to the present invention, the operation section and the operation instruction symbol section have a configuration in which at least one of the shape and arrangement of the switch and the operation instruction symbol is similar.

According to this configuration, the user can intuitively grasp the relationship between the switch and the operation from the similarity by making at least one of the shape and arrangement of the switch and the operation instruction symbol similar. It is possible to efficiently and easily centrally operate a plurality of devices without being confused.

In the centralized control system according to the present invention, each of the operation section and the operation instruction symbol section has a circular shape (○),
It has a configuration in which three switches and operation instruction symbols in the shape of an upward triangle (△) and a downward triangle (▽) are sequentially arranged.

According to this configuration, similarly, by arranging a limited number of three switches (○, Δ, Δ), the user can change the relationship between the switches and the operation while using the minimum number of switches. It is possible to intuitively grasp, and it is possible to efficiently and easily centrally operate a plurality of devices without being confused.

[0026]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a centralized control system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

This centralized control system includes a plurality of (here, four) terminal devices (hereinafter simply referred to as “devices”) 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d to be operated, and the plurality of devices 1
and a centralized controller 3 for centrally operating the devices a to 1d. The centralized controller 3 receives an input unit 5 for inputting a user's operation, a display unit 7 for displaying states of a plurality of devices 1a to 1d, an operation screen, and the like, and a signal from each of the devices 1a to 1d and the input unit 5. And a signal processing unit 9 for performing various processes. Each of the devices 1a to 1d is connected to the centralized controller 3 by wire or wirelessly. In the following, when any one of the plurality of devices 1a to 1d is represented, it will be represented as "device 1" using only a numeral sign (hereinafter, the same applies to other elements).

When a user performs an operation on the centralized controller 3, a corresponding signal is output from the input unit 5, processed by the signal processing unit 9, and sent to the device 1 to be operated. In response to this, the operation target device 1 executes the specified operation (control of the device). On the other hand, each of the devices 1 a to 1 d sends a signal indicating its own state to the signal processing unit 9. At this time,
The signal is processed by the signal processing unit 9 and then sent to the display unit 7. Thereby, the state of each of the devices 1a to 1d is displayed on the display unit 7 (monitor of the device). The operation result of the user is also displayed on the display unit 7 through the signal processing unit 9.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the display screen corresponding to the first embodiment. Here, the input unit 5 and the display unit 7 are integrated into a touch panel, and touch keys are displayed on the screen 11.

On the screen 11, a plurality (three in this case) of main switches (touch keys) 13a, 13b, 13c constituting an operation unit for the entire display unit, and each device 1a
Areas 15a, 15b, 1 for displaying states of 1d to 1d
5c and 15d are displayed. Main switch 13
a to 13c are arranged in a line in the vertical direction at the right end of the screen 11. Also, the main switches 13a to 13c
Are plural (three in this case) in each of the devices 1a to 1d as soft keys whose functions may be different for each operation target.
(In the example of FIG. 2, “item A”, “item B”,
"Item C"). For example, the main switch 13a is a switch (so-called on / off switch) for controlling ON / OFF of “item A”, and the main switch 13b is a switch (on / off) for controlling ON / OFF of “item B”. Switch), and the main switch 13c is a switch (on / off switch) for controlling ON / OFF of “item C”.

Each of the areas 15a to 15d has a name of the corresponding device 1a to 1d (in the example of FIG. 2, "System A",
"System B", "System C", "System D")
And the names of the control items (in the example of FIG. 2, the above-mentioned “item A”, “item B”, and “item C”), and control of each control item that constitutes an operable unit for the area. Sub-switches (touch keys) 17a, 17b, and 17c are displayed. The sub switches 17a to 17c have the same functions as the corresponding main switches 13a to 13c. For example, "item A" is set by the sub-switch 17a.
ON / OFF of the “item B” is controlled by the sub-switch 17b, and ON / OFF of the “item C” is controlled by the sub-switch 17c. Of the above-mentioned areas 15a to 15d, the area in the operable state is inverted or changed in color tone to notify the user of the operable state. Also, each sub switch 1
In 7a to 17c, the display is changed according to the operation state in order to inform the user of the current operation state. For example, O
In the N state, "ON" is displayed on the corresponding sub-switches 17a to 17c, and in the OFF state, "OFF" is displayed on the corresponding sub-switches 17a to 17c.

Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the main switches 13a to 13c for the entire display section and each area 15
Sub switches 17a to 17c for a to 15d
The shape and arrangement of the switches are similar. Specifically, in this case, both the main switches 13a to 13c and the sub switches 17a to 17c
Three square (□) switches are displayed in a line in the vertical direction.

Next, an operation procedure in the centralized control system having the above configuration will be described.

First, the user touches an area 15 on the screen 11 corresponding to the device 1 to be operated. Here, as an example, it is assumed that the area 15a is touched in order to operate the device 1a. At this time, area 1
By inverting 5a or changing the color tone of area 15a, the user is notified that this area 15a is in an operable state. And in this state, the user:
To change the contents of "item A", use main switch 1.
3a, the main switch 13b is touched to change the content of "item B", and the main switch 13c is touched to change the content of "item C". With this operation, the contents of the corresponding control items are changed, and the corresponding sub switches 17a to 17c are displayed (ON / OFF).
Is changed.

When operating another device 1, the same operation is performed after touching the area 15 corresponding to the other device 1.

As described above, according to the centralized control system of the present embodiment, the main switch 13
a to 13c and the sub-switches 17a to 17c for the respective regions 15a to 15d are made to have a similar relationship, more specifically, to make the main switches 13a to 13c similar to each other in terms of the shape and arrangement of the switches. Sub switch 1
The relationship between 7a to 17c becomes clear, and the user can intuitively grasp the relationship between the switch and the operation from the above-mentioned similarity relationship, while the states of the plurality of devices 1a to 1d are displayed at the same time. A plurality of devices 1a to 1d can be centrally operated efficiently and easily.

In this embodiment, each of the devices 1a to 1
ON / OF of each control item as the content of the operation for d
The case where F is controlled has been described, but the content set / changed by the operation is not limited to this. Other specific examples will be described in the second and subsequent embodiments.

Further, in the present embodiment, all the input units 5 take the form of a touch panel, but the present invention is not limited to this. If the main switch for the entire display unit and the sub-switch for each area are in a similar relationship, for example, in addition to the touch keys of the touch panel as described above, some or all of the switches are fixed keys (the functions of which are fixed). Fixed) or any other form.

For example, FIG. 3 shows an example in which the main switch for the entire display unit and the sub-switch for each area in the input unit 5 are all constituted by fixed keys. In this case, a button 19 for switching the area to be selected is separately provided.

Further, in this embodiment, both the shape and the arrangement of the switches are similar to each other. However, if the relationship between the switches and the operation can be grasped intuitively, the shapes and the positions of the switches may be changed depending on the case. Only one of the arrangements may have a similar relationship.

(Embodiment 2) A feature of Embodiment 2 of the present invention is that an operation unit (main switch) for the entire display unit is provided.
Similar to the above, an operation instruction symbol part for each area is used instead of an operable part (sub switch) for each area. Note that the centralized control system according to Embodiment 2 has the following configuration, except for the configuration of the screen displayed on the display unit.
Since it has the same configuration as the centralized control system corresponding to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a display screen corresponding to the second embodiment. Also in this case, the input unit 5 and the display unit 7 are integrated to constitute a touch panel, and touch keys are displayed on the screen 21.

On the screen 21, a plurality (three in this case) of switches (touch keys) 23a, 23b, 23c constituting an operation section for the entire display section and a state for displaying the state of each device 1a to 1d are displayed. Regions 25a, 25b, 25c, 2
5d is displayed. Switches 23a to 23c are
Each has a shape of a circle (、), an upward triangle (△), and a downward triangle (、), and is arranged vertically in a line at the right end of the screen 21 in this order from the top. The switches 23a to 23c correspond to control contents for the respective devices 1a to 1d as soft keys. For example, the switch 23a is a switch (on / off switch) for controlling ON / OFF of each of the devices 1a to 1d, and the switch 23b is a switch (for increasing the set value of a predetermined item in each of the devices 1a to 1d). Switch 23c
Is a switch (so-called down switch) for decreasing the set value.

Each of the areas 25a to 25d has a name of the corresponding device 1a to 1d (in the example of FIG. 4, "System A",
Below the “system B”, “system C” and “system D”), a part 2 for displaying the ON / OFF state of the device
7 and a part 29 for displaying the state (numerical value) of the current set value
Are provided. On the right side of the portion 27 displaying the ON / OFF state, a symbol 31a having the same shape (o) as the switch 23a is displayed as an operation instruction symbol, and on the right side of the portion 29 displaying the current setting value state. Is a symbol 31b having the same shape (△) as the switch 23b,
Below, the symbol 31c of the same shape (と) as the switch 23c
Are displayed as operation instruction symbols. In addition, the area in the operable state among the areas 25a to 25d is inverted or changed in color tone to notify the user of the fact.

Here, as shown in FIG. 4, the switches 23a to 23c for the entire display section and the respective areas 15a to 15c
The operation instruction symbols 31a to 31c for 5d are similar in shape and arrangement. Specifically, in this case, the switches 23a to 23c and the operation instruction symbols 31a to 31c
Respectively, arranges three elements (switches or symbols) in the shape of a circle (○), an upward triangle (△), and a downward triangle (▽) on the screen 21 in a vertical line in this order from the top. It is displayed in the form shown.

Next, an operation procedure in the centralized control system having the above configuration will be described.

First, the user touches an area 25 on the screen 21 corresponding to the device 1 to be operated. Here, as an example, it is assumed that the area 25a is touched in order to operate the device 1a. At this time, area 2
By inverting 5a or changing the color tone of area 25a, the user is notified that this area 25a is in an operable state. In this state, when the user wants to switch ON / OFF of the device 1a, the switch 2
Switch 23b to increase the set value.
When the user wants to decrease the set value, the user touches the switch 23c. By this operation, ON / OFF of the device 1a to be operated is switched, or the set value increases or decreases to indicate the ON / OFF state 2
The display of the portion 29 indicating the status of 7 or the set value is changed.

When operating another device 1, the same operation is performed after touching the area 25 corresponding to the other device 1.

As described above, according to the centralized control system of this embodiment, the switches 23a to 23
3c and an operation instruction symbol 3 for each of the areas 25a to 25d.
1a to 31c, more specifically, by making them similar in shape and arrangement, the switch 2
The relationship between 3a to 23c and the operation instruction symbols 31a to 31c becomes clear, and the user can intuitively grasp the relationship between the switches and the operation from the similarity while the states of the plurality of devices 1a to 1d are simultaneously displayed. It is possible to efficiently and easily centrally operate the plurality of devices 1a to 1d without being confused.

In this embodiment, each of the devices 1a to 1a
As the content of the operation for d, the case where ON / OFF switching of each device and the increase / decrease of the set value are controlled has been described, but the content set / changed by the operation is not limited to this. Other specific examples will be described later.

Further, in the present embodiment, all of the input units 5 take the form of a touch panel, but the present invention is not limited to this. If the switch for the entire display unit and the operation instruction symbol for each area are in a similar relationship, for example, the switch can take the form of a fixed key or any other form in addition to the touch keys of the touch panel as described above.

Also, the operation instruction symbol for each area is not always displayed in each area, but is selected in a selected area (in the example of FIG. 5,
Operation instruction symbols 35a, 35 only for area 25a)
b, 35c (each of the operation instruction symbols 31a to 31c shown in FIG. 4)
31c) may be displayed. In this case, the operation instruction symbols 35a to 35a only for the selected area.
Since 35c is displayed on the screen 33, the user can easily know that the device 1 corresponding to the selected area 25 is in an operable state.

In this embodiment, both the shape and the arrangement of the switch and the operation instruction symbol have a similar relationship. However, if the relationship between the switch and the operation can be intuitively grasped, in some cases, Only one of the shape and arrangement of the switch and the operation instruction symbol may be in a similar relationship.

[0055]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, more specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, a case in which the present invention is applied to a centralized control system for home appliances will be described. Note that portions common to the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a centralized control system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

This centralized control system includes a single centralized controller 41 and various home appliances such as a camera 4.
3 (which may be for entrance or indoor use), an electric lock 45, an air conditioner 47, a lighting device 49, and an electric opening / closing device 51 (blind, shutter, electric curtain, etc.) are connected. The centralized controller 41 may be a dedicated controller, or may be mounted on a television intercom (television doorphone) or the like. The number of devices 43 to 51 connected to the centralized controller 41 may be one or more. However, the maximum number of devices connected to the system is predetermined for each model.
The connection method between the centralized controller 41 and each device is as follows.
Wired or wireless may be used. In addition, the centralized controller 4
The types of devices connected to 1 are not limited to those described above, and for example, it is also possible to connect a ventilation fan, hot water supply device, or the like.

The centralized controller 41 has an input unit 5 for inputting a user operation and connected devices 43 to 51.
And a signal processing unit 9 which receives signals from the connected devices 43 to 51 and the input unit 5 and performs various processes.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a TV door phone on which the centralized controller 41 is mounted. In the television door phone 41a shown in FIG. 7, the display unit 7a is configured by a touch panel, and some switches (soft keys described later) of the input unit 5 are embedded in the screen as touch keys.
In addition, in the vicinity of the display unit 7a, as other switches constituting the input unit 5, soft keys 5a for performing various screen operations and various buttons 5b for selecting a specific function (for example, going out) Buttons, a play button, an electric lock button, a display button, a camera button, etc.).

The operation screen displayed on the display unit 7a has a hierarchical structure. Each of the operation screens of each layer has four soft keys (touch keys) 53 at the right end of the screen.
a, 53b, 53c and 53d are arranged in a line in the vertical direction. As described later, the user can centrally operate the connected various devices 43 to 51 by touching these four soft keys 53a to 53d.

The functions corresponding to the soft keys 53a to 53d may be executed by pressing the soft key 5a arranged close to the soft keys 53a to 53d.

FIG. 8 is an example of an initial operation screen displayed on the display unit 7a. The initial operation screen 55 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed by, for example, pressing a display button during standby. In this example, an area 5 for displaying the state (lock / release) of the electric lock 45 on the initial operation screen 55
7a, an area 57b for displaying the set device state (ON / OFF), and the state of the air conditioner 47 (ON / OFF).
OFF) is displayed in an area 57c. At the left end of each of the regions 57a to 57c, there is provided a band-shaped active bar display portion 59 for displaying an active bar of a predetermined color (for example, red or orange) indicating that the region is selected. .

In this example, four soft keys 53
The third soft key 53c from the top among a to 53d is hidden, but for the remaining three, the top soft key 53a is displayed as a right-pointing triangle and the second soft key 53b from the top. Is indicated by a circle (○), and the bottom soft key 53d is indicated by an air conditioner mark. At this time, the displayed soft keys 53a, 53
The roles of b and 53d are as follows.

1) Soft key 53a: Movement of active bar Each time the soft key 53a is touched, the active bar moves in a predetermined order (for example, electric lock → device → air conditioner → electric lock).

2) Soft Key 53b: Control of Selected Device By touching the soft key 53b, the device corresponding to the area where the active bar is located can be controlled. Specifically, every time the soft key 53b is touched, the "electric lock"
Can be switched between locking and unlocking, and "device" can be switched on and off,
In the case of "air conditioner", ON and OFF can be simultaneously switched.

3) Soft key 53d: Screen switching to system air conditioner control screen By touching soft key 53d, the screen display can be switched to a lower system air conditioner control screen.

FIG. 9 is an example of a system air conditioner control screen. The system air conditioner control screen 61 shown in FIG.
This is a screen for centrally operating a plurality of air conditioners 47, and includes simultaneous control of the air conditioners 47, specifically, simultaneous ON / OFF control and operation mode (automatic / dehumidification / cooling / heating) switching for all the air conditioners 47, and , Air conditioner 4
7, specifically, ON / OFF control of each room for each air conditioner 47 and adjustment of set temperature (up / down) can be performed. In this example, an area 63 for simultaneously controlling all the air conditioners 47 and four areas 65a, 65b, 65c, and 65d for individually controlling each air conditioner 47 are simultaneously displayed on the system air conditioner control screen 61. I have. Similarly to the initial operation screen 55, an active bar display section 59 is provided at the left end of each of the regions 63, 65a to 65d.

In this case, the top soft key 53a is displayed as a right-pointing triangle, and the second top soft key 5a is displayed.
3b is displayed as a circle (○), the third soft key 53c from the top is displayed as an upward triangle (△), and the bottom soft key 53d is displayed as a downward triangle (▽). At this time, the roles of the soft keys 53a to 53d are as follows.

1) Soft key 53a: Movement of active bar Each time the soft key 53a is touched, a predetermined order (for example, area 63 → area 65a → area 65b → area 65c →
The active bar moves in an area 65d (→ each area on the next screen when five or more air conditioners 47 are connected) → area 63).

2) Soft key 53b: ON / OFF control When the soft key 53b is touched, ON / OFF control can be performed in an area where the active bar is located.
Specifically, in the case of the area 63, the air conditioner 47
N / OFF control can be performed, and areas 65a to 65d
In this case, the individual ON / OFF control of the air conditioner 47 can be performed.

3) Soft keys 53c, 53d: operation mode switching / setting temperature adjustment In the case of the area 63, the operation mode is sent each time the soft key 53c is touched (for example, automatic → dehumidification → cooling → heating → automatic). Each time the soft key 53d is touched, the operation mode is returned (for example, automatic → heating → cooling → dehumidification →
Automatic). For areas 65a to 65d, soft key 53
Each time c is touched, the set temperature becomes a predetermined temperature (for example, 1
° C), and each time the soft key 53d is touched, the set temperature is decreased (−) by a predetermined temperature (for example, 1 ° C).

In an area 63, an active bar display section 59 is provided.
On the right side, in order from the left, the name of the target device of the simultaneous control ("air conditioner" in the example of FIG. 9), the operation instruction symbol 67a having the same shape (O) as the soft key 53b, and the operation of the air conditioner 47 Mode status, each soft key 53
The operation instruction symbols 67b and 67c having the same shape (△, ▽) corresponding to c and 53d, and the outdoor temperature are displayed.

Each of the areas 65a to 65d is divided into an upper row and a lower row.
On the right side, the installation location of the corresponding air conditioner 47 and the operation instruction symbol 69a of the same shape (○) corresponding to the soft key 53b are displayed in order from the left side, and the active bar display section 59 is displayed in the lower part. On the right side, the current room temperature, the set temperature of the air conditioner 47, and operation instruction symbols 69b, 69c having the same shape (△, ▽) corresponding to the soft keys 53c, 53d are displayed in order from the left side. I have. When only the operation instruction symbols 69a to 69c are viewed, these operation instruction symbols 69a, 69b, 69c
They are arranged vertically in a line in this order from the top. That is, soft keys 53b to 53d for the entire display unit,
Operation instruction symbols 69a-6 for the respective areas 65a-65d
9c is similar in shape and arrangement.

The operation instruction symbols 67a and 69a corresponding to the soft key 53b for performing the ON / OFF control are displayed in green when in the ON state, and are displayed in black when in the OFF state. As a result, the user can easily know the ON / OFF state of the operation target device.

Next, an operation procedure on the system air conditioner control screen 61 having the above configuration will be described.

First, in the system air conditioner control screen 61 shown in FIG. 9, since the active bar is in the area 63, when the soft key 53a is touched, the active bar moves to the area 65a (see FIG. 10).
1a), when the soft key 53b is touched, simultaneous ON / OFF control of the air conditioner 47 is performed. When the soft key 53c is touched, the operation mode is sequentially transmitted (automatic → dehumidification → cooling → heating → automatic), and the soft key 53d
When is touched, the operation mode is sequentially returned (automatic → heating → cooling → dehumidification → automatic).

In the system air conditioner control screen 61a shown in FIG. 10, since the active bar is in the area 65a, when the soft key 53a is touched, the active bar moves to the area 65b (see the system air conditioner control screen 61b in FIG. 11). ), Touch soft key 53b,
Individual ON for air conditioner 47 installed in living room
/ OFF control is performed. When the soft key 53c is touched, the set temperature of the air conditioner 47 is increased by a predetermined temperature (1 ° C. in the above example), and when the soft key 53d is touched, the set temperature of the air conditioner 47 is increased by a predetermined temperature (in the above example, , 1 ° C).

When operating the air conditioner 47 installed in another place, the area corresponding to the air conditioner 47 is selected using the uppermost soft key 53a, and "O", "△",
Using the three soft keys 53b, 53c, 53d of "@", the air conditioner 47 is turned on / off by the same operation as described above.
OFF control and setting temperature adjustment are performed.

That is, the basic operation is as follows: first, select an area with the uppermost soft key 53a, and then select “○”, “△”,
The content of the control is determined by the soft keys 53b, 53c, 53d of "@".

Hereinafter, some variations of the operation screen will be described. Here, in order to avoid repetition of the description, the description of the contents described above will be appropriately omitted.

FIG. 12 shows an example of the control screen of the electric switchgear. The electric switchgear control screen 71 shown in FIG. 12 is a screen for centrally operating a plurality of electric switchgears 51 (blinds, shutters, electric curtains, etc.). , Simultaneous full-close / full-open control and half-open (opening) adjustment for the fully electric switchgear 51;
In addition, individual control of the electric switching device 51, specifically,
It is possible to perform full-close / full-open control and half-open adjustment for each electric switchgear 51 for each room. In this example, an area 73 for simultaneously controlling all the electric switchgears 51 and four areas 75a, 75b, 75c, and 75d for individually controlling each electric switchgear 51 are displayed on the electric switchgear control screen 71.
And are displayed at the same time.

The shape and arrangement of the four soft keys 53a to 53d are the same as those in the system air conditioner control screen 61 shown in FIG. At this time, the roles of the soft keys 53a to 53d are as follows.

1) Soft key 53a: Movement of active bar Each time soft key 53a is touched, a predetermined order (for example, area 73 → area 75a → area 75b → area 75c →
The active bar moves in a region 75d (→ each region on the next screen when five or more electric switchgears 51 are connected) → region 73).

2) Soft Key 53b: Fully Closed / Fully Open Control Touching the soft key 53b allows full close / full open control in the area where the active bar is located. More specifically, in the case of the area 73, simultaneous full closing / full opening control of the electric switching device 51 can be performed, and the areas 75a to 75d can be controlled.
In the case of, individual full closing / full opening control of the electric switching device 51 can be performed.

3) Soft keys 53c, 53d: half-opening adjustment Touching the soft keys 53c, 53d enables half-opening adjustment in an area where the active bar is located.
Specifically, when the soft key 53c is touched, the opening is continuously or stepwise increased (+), and the soft key 53c is increased.
When d is touched, the opening is reduced (-) continuously or stepwise.

In the area 73, an active bar display section 59
On the right side of the figure, in order from the left, the name of the target device of the simultaneous control (“opening / closing device” in the example of FIG. 12), the operation instruction symbol 77a of the same shape (（) corresponding to the soft key 53b, and the electric switching device Opening / closing state of 51 (in the example of FIG. 12, expressed by characters and ratios), and soft keys 53c and 53d, respectively
, Operation instruction symbols 77b and 77c of the same shape (△, ▽) are displayed.

In the upper part of each of the regions 75a to 75d,
On the right side of the active bar display section 59, the installation location of the corresponding electric switchgear 51 and the operation instruction symbol 79a of the same shape (○) corresponding to the soft key 53b are displayed in order from the left side. Are displayed on the right side of the active bar display section 59 in order from the left side.
(In the example of FIG. 12, the degree of opening and closing is represented by a three-stage bar graph, and the selected bar graph is highlighted),
And operation instruction symbols 79b, 79b, which have the same shape (△, ▽) corresponding to the soft keys 53c, 53d, respectively.
79c is displayed. Operation instruction symbols 79a to 79c
Are arranged in a line in the vertical direction in this order from the top. That is, the soft keys 53b to 53d for the entire display unit
And the operation instruction symbol 79a for each of the areas 75a to 75d
~ 79c are similar in shape and arrangement.

In this case as well, the user selects an area using the uppermost soft key 53a, and then presses the soft keys 53 of "の", "△", and "▽" for the selected area.
b, 53c, 53d, the contents of the control (simultaneous full closing / full opening and half opening adjustment for the area 73, each area 75a to 75
For d, a full close / full open and half open adjustment for each room is set.

FIG. 13 is an example of an operation screen for each room. The room-specific operation screen 81 illustrated in FIG. 13 is a screen for centrally operating a plurality of devices (in the example of FIG. 13, an air conditioner, a lighting device, a blind, a ventilation fan, and the like) installed in the same room. In addition, simultaneous control of devices in a room and individual control of devices in a room can be performed. In this example, an area 83 for simultaneously controlling all the devices in the room and four regions 85a, 85b, 85c, and 85 for individually controlling each device in the room are displayed on the operation screen 81 for each room.
and d are displayed at the same time.

The shape and arrangement of the four soft keys 53a to 53d are the same as those in the system air conditioner control screen 61 shown in FIG. At this time, the roles of the soft keys 53a to 53d are as follows.

1) Soft key 53a: Movement of active bar Each time soft key 53a is touched, a predetermined order (for example, area 83 → area 85a → area 85b → area 85c →
The active bar moves in an area 85d (→ each area on the next screen when five or more devices are connected in the room) → area 83).

2) Soft key 53b: ON / OF in a broad sense
F control When the soft key 53b is touched, ON / OFF control in a broad sense (including ON / OFF, fully closed / fully opened, full speed / stop) can be performed in an area where the active bar is located. Specifically, in the case of the area 83, simultaneous ON / OFF control (broad sense) of the devices in the room can be performed,
In the case of the areas 85a to 85d, individual ON of the equipment in the room
/ OFF control (broad sense).

3) Soft keys 53c, 53d: Temperature adjustment, dimming, half-opening adjustment, speed adjustment Touching the soft keys 53c, 53d will adjust the area corresponding to the device in the area where the active bar is located (temperature adjustment in the case of an air conditioner, Lighting can be adjusted for lighting equipment, half-opening adjustment for blinds, and speed adjustment for ventilation fans). Specifically, when the soft key 53c is touched, the level is continuously or stepwise increased (+), and when the soft key 53d is touched, the level is continuously or stepwise reduced (-).

In an area 83, an active bar display section 59 is provided.
On the right side of the figure, in order from the left, the name of the room (“Living” in the example of FIG. 13), the operation instruction symbol 87a having the same shape (○) corresponding to the soft key 53b, and the ON / OFF state (FIG. 13) In this example, the operation instruction symbols 87b, which have the same shape (△, ▽) corresponding to the soft keys 53c, 53d, respectively, correspond to the current room temperature, and the soft keys 53c, 53d, respectively.
87c is displayed.

In the upper part of the area 85a, the names of the corresponding devices ("air conditioner" in the example of FIG. 13) and the soft keys 53b are sequentially displayed on the right side of the active bar display portion 59 from the left side. An operation instruction symbol 89a having the same shape (○) is displayed. On the lower side, the current indoor temperature, the set temperature of the air conditioner 47, and the soft keys 53c,
Operation instruction symbols 89b and 89c corresponding to 53d and having the same shape (△, ▽) are displayed.

In the upper part of the area 85b, the names of the corresponding devices (“lighting” in the example of FIG. 13) and the soft keys 53 are arranged on the right side of the active bar display section 59 in order from the left side.
Operation instruction symbol 8 of the same shape (同一) corresponding to b
9a is displayed, and an active bar display 59
On the right side, in order from the left side, the brightness state of the lighting device 49 (in the example of FIG. 13, the brightness is represented by a three-stage bar graph, and the selected bar graph is highlighted), and
Operation instruction symbols 89b and 89c corresponding to the soft keys 53c and 53d and having the same shape (△, ▽) are displayed.

In the upper part of the area 85c, the names of the corresponding devices (“blind” in the example of FIG. 13) and the soft keys 53b correspond to the right and left sides of the active bar display section 59 in this order. An operation instruction symbol 89a having the same shape (○) is displayed, and in the lower part, the open / close state of the blind is displayed on the right side of the active bar display section 59 in order from the left side (in the example of FIG. And the selected bar graph is highlighted), and
Operation instruction symbols 89b and 89c corresponding to the soft keys 53c and 53d and having the same shape (△, ▽) are displayed.

In the upper part of the area 85d, the names of the corresponding devices (“ventilator” in the example of FIG. 13) and the soft keys 5
3b, an operation instruction symbol 89a having the same shape (o) as this is displayed, and the lower part shows the active bar display section 5
On the right side of FIG. 9, in order from the left side, the rotation speed or the rotation direction state of the ventilation fan (in the example of FIG. 13, the rotation speed is represented by a three-stage bar graph, and the selected bar graph is highlighted), and software Operation instruction symbols 89 corresponding to the keys 53c and 53d and having the same shape (△, ▽)
b, 89c are displayed.

As shown in FIG. 13, the operation instruction symbols 89a to 89c in the respective areas 85a to 85d are arranged vertically in a line in this order from the top. That is, the soft keys 53b to 53d for the entire display unit and each area 85a
The shape and arrangement are similar to the operation instruction symbols 89a to 89c for 〜85d.

In this case as well, the user selects an area using the uppermost soft key 53a, and then presses the “キ ー”, “△”, and “▽” soft keys to the selected area.
b, 53c, 53d, the contents of the control (simultaneous ON / OFF and temperature adjustment of the equipment in the room for the area 83, and individual ON / OFF of the equipment in the room for the areas 85a to 85d)
/ OFF (broad sense) and level adjustment).

FIG. 14 is an example of a room-specific operation screen with a camera image. A room-specific operation screen 91 with a camera image shown in FIG. 14 includes an area 95d for displaying a camera image.
Having. In this case, when the soft key 53b is touched on the area 95d, the display of the camera image is turned ON / O.
When FF is performed and soft keys 53c and 53d are touched,
For example, the camera image is enlarged (+) / reduced (-) continuously or stepwise (when a zoom control function is provided). The other configuration is the same as that of the room-specific operation screen 81 shown in FIG.

In each of the above embodiments and examples, the switches are arranged in a line in the vertical direction, but the arrangement is not limited to this. For example, the switches may be arranged in a row in the horizontal direction, or may be arranged in two rows in the vertical or horizontal direction.

[0103]

As described above, according to the present invention,
While simultaneously displaying the states of a plurality of devices, it is possible to intuitively understand the relationship between the switch and the operation, and it is possible to efficiently and easily centrally operate the plurality of devices.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a centralized control system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a display screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another configuration for realizing the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a display screen according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a modification of the screen configuration shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a centralized control system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an external view showing a TV door phone as an example of the centralized control system of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an initial operation screen of the centralized control system of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a system air conditioner control screen of the centralized control system of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another display state of the system air conditioner control screen of the centralized control system of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing still another display state of the system air conditioner control screen of the centralized control system of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a view showing an example of a control screen of an electric switching device of the centralized control system of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen for each room of the centralized control system of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a room-specific operation screen with a camera image of the centralized control system of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1a, 1b, 1c, 1d Terminal device 3, 41 Centralized controller 5 Input unit 7, 7a Display unit 9 Signal processing unit 13a, 13b, 13c Main switch 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d, 25a, 25b, 2
5c, 25d, 63, 65a, 65b, 65c, 65
d, 73, 75a, 75b, 75c, 75d, 83, 8
5a, 85b, 85c, 85d, 95d Areas 17a, 17b, 17c Sub-switches 23a, 23b, 23c Switches 31a, 31b, 31c, 35a, 35b, 35c, 6
7a, 67b, 67c, 69a, 69b, 69c, 77
a, 77b, 77c, 79a, 79b, 79c, 87
a, 87b, 87c, 89a, 89b, 89c Operation instruction symbol 41a Television door phone 43 Camera 45 Electric lock 47 Air conditioner 49 Lighting device 51 Electric switching device 53a, 53b, 53c, 53d Soft key 55 Initial operation screen 61, 61a, 61b System Air conditioner control screen 71 Electric switchgear control screen 81 Room-specific operation screen 91 Room-specific operation screen with camera image

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) G06F 3/033 360 G06F 3/033 360C (72) Inventor Yasuki Yamakawa 4-3 Tsunashima Higashi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa 1 Matsushita Communication Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Koji Murakami 1006 Kadoma Kadoma, Osaka Pref. Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Makoto Shimizu 1006 Odakadoma Kadoma, Osaka Pref. Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 5B087 AA10 DE02 DE03 5K048 AA04 BA12 DA02 FB01 FB05 HA01 HA13 HA21

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A centralized control system having a display unit capable of simultaneously displaying states of a plurality of devices, an operation unit for the entire display unit, and respective states of the plurality of devices on the display unit A centralized control system characterized in that an operable portion for an area for displaying the is similar to the operable portion. 2. The centralized control system according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit and the operable unit are similar in at least one of a shape and an arrangement of a switch. 3. The operation unit and the operable unit are each formed by sequentially arranging three switches in the shape of a circle, an upward triangle, and a downward triangle. Centralized control system. 4. The centralized control system according to claim 2, wherein switches corresponding to each other between said operation unit and said operable unit have the same function. 5. A centralized control system having a display unit capable of simultaneously displaying states of a plurality of devices, an operation unit for the entire display unit, and states of the plurality of devices on the display unit. A centralized control system characterized in that an operation instruction symbol part for an area for displaying a symbol is similar to the operation instruction symbol part. 6. The centralized control system according to claim 5, wherein the operation instruction symbol part is displayed only for a selected area on the screen. 7. The operation unit and the operation instruction symbol unit,
6. The switch according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the shape and arrangement of the operation instruction symbol is similar.
Centralized control system as described. 8. The operation unit and the operation instruction symbol unit are each formed by sequentially arranging three switches and operation instruction symbols in the shape of a circle, an upward triangle, and a downward triangle. The centralized control system according to claim 7, wherein